Fun fact, Washington DC was the first city I have ever visited in the US, and what a great pick that was for an incredible first impression of the country! From its world-class museums to historic landmarks like the White House and the Capitol, Washington DC is definitely a place you shouldn't miss.
Within this travel guide, I'll take you along the National Mall, visiting some of the most famous landmarks in the world. We will also be visiting the Smithsonian Museums, the world's largest museum complex, and recommend the best ones to visit, go on a day trip to the cozy Georgetown, and so much more, so without further ado, here are the best things to do in Washington DC.
- Washington DC Things to Do Map
- Where to Stay in Washington DC?
-
10 Best Things to Do in Washington DC
- Spend a day exploring the Smithsonian Museums
- Explore the Lesser Known Museums
- Stroll along the National Mall
- Drop by Lincoln Memorial
- Relax at Smithsonian Castle's Garden
- Take Photos of the White House
- Check Out the Capitol
- Walk Around the United States Botanic Garden
- Spend a day in Georgetown
- Hang out at Adams Morgan
- What to Eat and Drink in Washington DC?
- How to Get to Washington DC?
- How to Get from Dulles International Airport to the City Center?
- How to Get Around Washington DC?
- How many days to spend in Washington DC?
- What to Pack for Washington DC?
- Further Reading for Northeast USA
Washington DC Things to Do Map
10 Best Things to Do in Washington DC
1. Spend a day exploring the Smithsonian Museums
You can't write a travel guide about Washington, DC without mentioning its world-class museums. As home to the Smithsonian Institution, the largest museum complex in the world with over 157 million items and artifacts spread across 21 museums and galleries, a visit to Washington DC wouldn't be complete without stepping into at least one of these remarkable museums.
The best aspect of the Smithsonian museums, which makes them unrivaled by those in any other city, is the fact that the majority of the museums are free of charge, whether you're a local or a tourist! Having visited many cities and museums around the world, I have never encountered another place that offers access to so many of its museums for free like this.
You could spend an entire day exploring museums in Washington DC and still not cover even half of them. With so many incredible museums to choose from, it’s impossible to see them all in just one visit. To help you plan, here are some of my favorite museums that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
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- Conrad Washington DC (High-End)
- DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour (3 hours) 👍 Top Pick
- Best of DC Plus US Capitol and National Archives (8.5 hours)
- Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour (6 hours)
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is probably my favorite museum of all. It showcases the history of U.S. aviation and space exploration with an incredible collection of real vehicles that you might recognize from history books, all on display.
From the first successful powered airplane, invented by the Wright brothers over 100 years ago, to the actual Apollo 11 Command Module that journeyed to the moon and back, you can see and inspect these historic artifacts up close at this museum. As a big history fan, being able to finally see these iconic items with my own eyes nearly brought me to tears.
Although entry to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is free, you will need to book a time slot to visit. If you know exactly when you'll be arriving, you can book a time slot online here or you can go to the museum first and book the next available time slot via the same website.
If you are a fan of art, you might want to visit the National Gallery of Art, which houses a massive collection of European and American artworks across various styles. The museum is divided into wings connected by a grand rotunda, adorned with a beautiful garden and centerpiece artworks. Even if you're not particularly interested in art, the building itself is worth a visit.
Another amazing Smithsonian museum you definitely shouldn't miss is the National Museum of Natural History, which houses a vast collection of items that celebrate the incredible natural world in which we live. From the well-preserved dinosaur bones to the breathtaking, life-size taxidermy displays of animals and marine life that fill several halls, you will be absolutely blown away by its awesome array of exhibitions.
The gemstone exhibition, in particular, was probably the most fascinating for me, as it features not only colorful stones but also many rare gems and crystals that I didn’t even know existed. You can also see actual archaeologists working on real specimens inside the museum, which adds another layer of immersion to the experience.
With these three museums, you'll already be looking at spending more than half a day, so if you only have one day to spare in Washington, DC, I would recommend focusing your time on these. However, if you have more time and are looking for other unique museums to visit, I've got you covered in the next section.
Where to Stay in Washington DC?
2. Explore the Lesser Known Museums
Now that we've covered the big museums, it's time to take the road less traveled and explore the smaller, yet equally unique, museums Washington DC has to offer. Let's begin with my personal favorite, the National Museum of Asian Art, an art gallery featuring a vast collection of ancient artworks that celebrate the mythical and mesmerizing art of Asia throughout its long-lasting history.
From the exquisitely decorated Peacock Room, filled with mystical objects that have piqued visitors' curiosity since 1923, to the diverse and ever-changing exhibitions that take you on a rich journey through Asian history, this museum completely exceeded my expectations, and that's coming from an Asian!
If you love modern art and handcrafts, you might also want to check out Renwick Gallery located right next to the White House. This small museum is housed in the Renwick building, which is the first ever structure that was built expressly as an art museum in the United States.
The museum contains a variety of contemporary crafts and decorative arts created by several national artists spread across its 2 floors. One of my favorite exhibitions is the “1.8 Renwick” by Janet Echelman, a colorful sculpture made from undulating colored fabric suspended from the ceiling.
“1.8 Renwick” derives its name from the 1.8 microseconds by which the day was shortened due to a single event, the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, which also caused the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster and shifted the Earth's mass. It is now a permanent exhibition within the Renwick Gallery, and you are not going to want to miss it.
If you enjoy interactive museums, consider visiting the International Spy Museum. Dedicated to the history of espionage, it features an extensive collection of spy artifacts and devices, combined with a unique interactive experience unlike any other museum on this list. While it’s the only museum here that requires an entrance fee, it’s definitely well worth the price.
For a deeper dive into the history of the United States, I also recommend visiting both the National Museum of African American History and the National Museum of the American Indian. Both museums provide excellent platforms to learn more about their respective histories and cultures, which have significantly shaped the United States we know today.
3. Stroll along the National Mall
All of the places I recommend visiting are located within the area of the National Mall, a sprawling landscaped park designed to contrast the exclusive gardens of places like Versailles in France, which were reserved for the privileged few. The National Mall was created to embody a more democratic and egalitarian spirit, accessible to everyone, and in my opinion, it has truly succeeded in achieving that vision, with its vast open space, accessible from any direction.
The National Mall stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol, with museums and monuments lining the paths along the way. It’s the perfect starting point for your exploration of Washington, DC, as nearly all of the city’s iconic landmarks are within view, from the massive Washington Monument, commemorating America’s first president, to the World War II Memorial, honoring the 16 million Americans who served during World War II.
It’s a bit of a walk from one end of the park to the other, but the entire area is flat, and the space is filled with trees, monuments, and sculptures that will keep you engaged throughout the day. It’s also a fantastic place to stroll at night if you want to see all the famous landmarks beautifully lit up. Be sure to take your time and explore the National Mall, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
4. Drop by Lincoln Memorial
If you are already at the National Mall, you will want to visit the famous Lincoln Memorial, a beautiful neoclassical building with a large marble statue commemorating the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.
If you didn't know, Abraham Lincoln was best known for his leadership during the American Civil War and for preserving the Union, bringing an end to slavery. One of his speeches about equality, liberty, and democracy in 1863 remains one of the most iconic speeches in American history, so much so that the Gettysburg Address, together with his second inaugural address, were carved inside the memorial itself.
The memorial also offers a great vantage point to see the National Mall and all of its famous landmarks in their entirety, including the Washington Monument, the Memorial Reflecting Pool, and even the Capitol at the other end of the park. The site is free to enter and open 24 hours, making it a fantastic spot to visit at night if you want to see all the iconic landmarks beautifully lit up in one view.
5. Relax at Smithsonian Castle's Garden
The Smithsonian Castle's Garden is definitely a hidden gem that not many people know about. Huge thanks to my local friend Olivier, who took me here and showed me that there is still a quiet, tourist-free pocket of downtown Washington, DC, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and be among nature without having to travel far.
Located right in the center of the National Mall, around the Smithsonian Castle, you'll find a small, seemingly ordinary garden with not much to see at first glance. But once you step inside, you'll be surrounded by beautiful and rare tropical plants that help absorb the city's constant noise and let you be at peace with yourself.
It’s a great place to reflect and enjoy a bit of quiet time as you take a break from the city. The garden features several benches and seating areas, so be sure to find a comfortable, peaceful spot to relax and unwind before continuing your exploration. Right next to the garden, you'll also find the National Museum of Asian Art, which I highly recommend checking out afterward.
6. Take Photos of the White House
Of course, when visiting Washington, DC for the first time, you have to go and take photos with the White House, the official residence and workplace of the current president of the United States. The security around the area is quite tight for obvious reasons, but you can freely walk up to the fence and take photos of the White House without any problems.
Although entry to the White House is not allowed unless you reserve an official White House tour, you can spend some time relaxing at Lafayette Square, located on the northern side of the White House. You can also check out some impressive architecture in the area, such as the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and the Renwick Gallery.
7. Check Out the Capitol
You can't come all the way to the US without seeing the Capitol, another iconic landmark in Washington, DC that you won't want to miss. This massive neoclassical structure serves as the home of the U.S. Congress and, depending on your perspective, is either a place rich in history or a site where the infamous January 6, 2021, United States Capitol attack took place.
The area has been cleaned up and secured since the attack with a large security perimeter around the building, but thanks to its massive size, you can still admire it from afar. A great spot to see the Capitol is either from Ulysses S. Grant Memorial located on the west side or the US Capitol Ground on the east side.
If you want to get into the heart of America's legislative and judicial branches of government and see where American laws are debated and made, I highly recommend going on a guided tour inside the US Capitol. The walking tour will bring the fascinating politics and history of the Capitol to life. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Library of Congress, one of the largest libraries in the world, as part of the tour. Be sure to book the tour in advance, as the number of tourists allowed inside is limited.
8. Walk Around the United States Botanic Garden
While you are at the Capitol, be sure to drop by and check out the United States Botanic Garden, a sprawling ground of gardens and a conservatory featuring rare and exotic flora and fauna that you don't get to see every day like orchids, corpse flowers, and more.
Its various gardens are spread out around the conservatory and are divided into themes that represent different ecosystems like Hawaii, a collection of plants native to Hawaii, Primeval Garden, a garden that will take you back 150 million years to see plants before the dawn of time, World Deserts, filled with cacti, succulents, and other desert plants, and many more.
The conservatory is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, while the gated outdoor gardens are open from 7 AM to 5 PM. All areas are accessible to the public free of charge. If you're looking to see some colorful and rare plants in Washington DC, be sure to take a stroll around the United States Botanic Garden.
9. Spend a day in Georgetown
Have a day to spare in Washington DC? Why not go out and explore the cozy and hip neighborhood of Georgetown, a charming area with Federal-style architecture, cobblestone streets, and fashion and design shops located only a stone's throw away from downtown. My local friends also recommended me to visit Georgetown, and I completely fell in love with it.
Founded in 1751 as part of the colonial province of Maryland, nearly 40 years before Washington DC itself, Georgetown is home to many of the city’s historical sites. For example, The Old House, a former clock shop built in 1771, is considered the oldest remaining structure in the city. You'll also find other historic buildings such as Tudor Place, Dumbarton House, and more as you explore the crisscrossing cobblestone streets of Georgetown.
Lined on both sides of the streets, you’ll also find many boutique shops, charming cafes, and restaurants to enjoy. One of my favorite spots here, thanks again to my local friends Heiley and Kiko for the recommendation, is YELLOW, a fantastic little café/restaurant that serves some of the most delicious wood-fired chicken pita shawarmas you’ll ever try. Be sure to drop by there for a quick bite when you are in Georgetown.
Georgetown is also situated right on the banks of the Potomac River, and there you'll find a spacious waterfront park where you can relax and take a leisurely stroll while admiring the view of the skyscrapers on the other side of the river. You could easily spend an entire day in Georgetown without getting bored. If you want to dive deeper into the history of the area, I highly recommend going on a historical walking tour or, if you’re into spooky stories, a ghost walking tour. 😉
10. Hang out at Adams Morgan
For the best place to hang out with friends or a place to go for a drink at night, you might want to check out Adams Morgan, a vibrant neighborhood in DC known for its counterculture and as an arts district, full of pubs and bars you can enjoy.
There are many awesome cafes, pubs, and bars around Adams Morgan you can choose from, but my local friends recommended Tryst, a chill coffeehouse decorated with colorful and eclectic furniture, with live music, Green Zone, a cocktail bar with a Middle Eastern touch serving drinks with hummus and falafel, and so much more. If you are looking for a lovely place to hang out in the evening and night, be sure to check out Adams Morgan.
What to Eat and Drink in Washington DC?
1. Chill out at Emissary
For a great social spot to enjoy both day and night, Emissary comes highly recommended. During the day, they serve brunch and coffee, while at night the place transforms into a lively bar where people can hang out, relax, and enjoy a few cocktails together.
The coffeehouse is located in the basement of a building with exposed brick and vintage decor, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for hanging out. I went there for lunch, and both the food and coffee were excellent, definitely highly recommended. The cafe is open every day from 7 AM to 5 PM.
2. Enjoy Brunch and Books at Kramers
Kramers is another one of my favorite spots in DC, combining two of my favorite things in the world: books and coffee. Right at the entrance, you'll find Kramerbooks, an indie bookstore filled with bookshelves stocked with a variety of genres, from non-fiction to novels.
At the back, you'll find All Day by Kramers, a cozy little café and restaurant that serves delicious American food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I went there for dinner and had a really lovely cheesesteak sandwich. They also serve cocktails in the evening which makes for a great place to hang out with friends.
Both the restaurant and bookstore are open from 8 AM to 10 PM every day. If you're looking for a cozy spot to enjoy some delicious American food while surrounded by books, be sure to check out Kramer's and its charming bookstore.
3. Eat at YELLOW in Georgetown
YELLOW is a fantastic little café/restaurant in Georgetown that serves some of the most delicious wood-fired chicken pita shawarmas I have ever tried. The place gets quite packed during the day which goes to show just how popular it is among the locals.
Aside from the chicken pita shawarmas, the place is also famous for its baklava croissants, which tend to sell out quickly. Unfortunately, I missed out on them, but if you're lucky enough to catch them while they're available, definitely give them a try!
This place is hands down one of my favorite restaurants in DC, and if you're spending a day in Georgetown, be sure to drop by and grab a quick bite at YELLOW. The restaurant is open from 8 AM to 3 PM every day, and from Tuesday to Saturday, they also serve dinner from 4 PM to 9 PM.
How to Get to Washington DC?
By Plane: If you are traveling from abroad, you should be able to get to Washington DC via airlines like Emirates, Turkish, United, or Delta Airlines. There are a ton of flights flying in and out of the capital city every day, so you should have no trouble finding one. For the best price, check out Skyscanner or Expedia.
By Amtrak: If you are within the Amtrak's northeast corridor, you should be able to catch the Amtrak train to Washington DC. The Northeast Regional Trains are not the newest, but they are mostly in good functional condition, equipped with modern facilities like a plug and working WIFI. They are also not too expensive, safe, and are often on time.
I took the Amtrak all over the northeast and the experience was surprisingly great. No hiccups at all. To get the cheapest price, be sure to book the ticket at least a few weeks in advance. You can book the Amtrak train here.
By Bus: Although affordable, buses can be a bit dodgy sometimes, but not always, so if you want to save some money, check out Flixbus.
How to Get from Dulles International Airport to the City Center?
Dulles International Airport is the main airport serving Washington, DC and the surrounding areas, and this is where you will likely be arriving. The airport is connected to the city center via a metro system, and you should be able to catch the Silver line all the way to the city center.
A ride from the Airport to the city center on the Silver Line should take about 1 hour and cost around 6 USD. The metro system still uses a card system (no tap to pay with a credit card as of 2024) and you can acquire the SmarTrip card at the metro station at the airport. There will be someone helping you out at the ticket machine.
If you use an iPhone or an Android phone and you have data, you do not have to buy the card. You can get the SmarTrip Pass right on your phone via Wallet and Google Wallet respectively, add 6 USD to the card with your credit card, tap the metro gate with your phone, and you are all set. Extremely convenient!
How to Get Around Washington DC?
By Walking: Washington DC is a very walkable city with most of its attractions concentrated around the National Mall area, and if your accommodation is in the city center, you should be able to visit the majority of the attractions I listed here on foot.
By Metro: If not, you can utilize the city's impressive metro system that will allow you to get around the city pretty easily for 2.5 USD per trip. Washington DC's metro system is the best in the country and it is fast, on time, and quite clean, so you should have no trouble using it. You can use Google Maps to punch in the location you want to go and the app will recommend the metro line to take.
To pay for the metro system, you can acquire the SmarTrip from the ticket machine for 10 USD with the card costing 2 USD and a stored fare value of 8 USD that you can use or you can download the SmarTrip card directly to your phone via Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for free, and you can add the fare via a credit card.
The latter is definitely my preferred way as you can easily use your phone to tap the gate to enter the metro. As of 2024, tapping to pay with a credit card at the ticket gate is not possible yet.
By Uber: You can also rely on Uber to get around the city if you don't mind paying a premium for it. That said, for this itinerary, you won't be needing it.
By Car: You can rent a car through DiscoverCars. However, keep in mind that parking in Washington, D.C., can be both challenging and expensive. Since most destinations are not far apart, consider this option only if you need to travel to areas not accessible by the metro.
How many days to spend in Washington DC?
I think 3 days is a good amount of time to see all the attractions I’ve mentioned here, while also giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the city without feeling rushed. You can spend the first day visiting the museums in DC, then explore the National Mall and its iconic landmarks on the second day. On your last day, take a day trip to Georgetown to enjoy the charming neighborhood before wrapping up your trip.
What to Pack for Washington DC?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Washington DC, United States of America:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Northeast USA
If you are looking for more articles about the Northeast USA, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:
- First time visiting the USA and looking for a complete itinerary? Check this out: First Time USA: 2 Weeks Itinerary Without Cars.
- Planning to visit Washington DC for 3 days? Here's an itinerary for you: 3 Days in Washington DC: A Backpacking Itinerary.
- Here's a quick guide on how to get from Dulles Airport to Washington DC Downtown: How to Get From Dulles Airport to Downtown Washington DC.
- Want to visit world-class museums in Washington DC, but not sure where to begin? This is the article for you: 8 Best Museums to Visit in Washington DC.
- Looking for the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC? Check out: 8 Awesome Places to Eat in Washington DC.
- Have a day to spare in Washington DC? I highly recommend you check out Georgetown. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Georgetown, DC.
- Looking to visit Philly for the weekend? Here is the ultimate 2-day Backpacking Itinerary for Philly.
- If you’re a fan of food and history, Philadelphia offers the perfect blend with its incredible museums and some of the best food scenes in the country. Check out the 12 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia (Philly).
- Philly is best explored with your stomach and taste buds. Here are the 7 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Philadelphia (Philly).
- New York City is truly one of the best cities in the world and if you are planning to visit the city, here are the 15 Best Things to Do in New York City.
- Planning to visit New York City, but not sure where to begin? Check out our 4 Days New York City's Backpacking Itinerary.
- Looking for the best places to eat and drink in NYC? You might want to check out: Places to Eat & Drink in New York City: My 9 Favorite Places.
- Chelsea, one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC, is one awesome place to explore. Here are the 8 Awesome Things to Do in Chelsea, NYC.
- Central Park deserves an entire day of exploration. Here is a complete travel guide to Central Park.
- Should you go up the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock? Let's find out: Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock: Which One is Better for You?.
- Is it worth buying the CityPass for your trip to New York City? Let's find out: NYC CityPass: Is it worth it?.
- Want to visit Boston? Here are some of the things you do not want to miss! 15 Best Things to Do in Boston.
- Wondering how long to spend in Boston? Check this out: 3 Days in Boston: A Backpacking Itinerary.
- Want to walk the Freedom Trail in Boston, but not sure where to begin? Check out: Boston's Freedom Trail: A Walking Guide.
- Planning to visit Salem? Here's a travel guide for you: Discover Salem: 10 Highlights You Can't Miss.
- To see all articles about the United States of America, be sure to check out our USA travel guide page.
- For a complete itinerary of both the US and Canada, check out: One Month in USA & Canada: A Backpacking Itinerary without Cars.
- Looking for more travel guides for North America? You will find more over at our North America page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
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